New Report: Countering Authoritarianism - Lessons from Istanbul

In May 2025, Social Change Initiative (SCI) brought together 24 activists and funders from 15 countries to Istanbul for our International Convening. Over three days, we facilitated discussions on how social movements are responding to escalating global challenges - and how we can build stronger, more connected strategies for change. What emerged from our conversations, learning and solidarity is now available in our new report: Countering Authoritarianism: Lessons from Istanbul. 

The timing and location were significant. As we gathered, Istanbul itself was experiencing political arrests and heavy-handed policing of student protests and May Day marches. Turkish human rights activists shared their struggles firsthand, reminding us that authoritarianism isn't a distant threat - it's a lived reality for communities worldwide. 

A Global Playbook 

What became clear through our conversations is that authoritarianism follows recognisable patterns across borders. From media distortion and legal manipulation to the suppression of civic space and scapegoating of minorities, the tactics are remarkably consistent. 

The report identifies key elements of the authoritarian playbook: media narrative control, institutional capture through legal manipulation, suppression of fundamental freedoms, deliberate societal division and electoral system manipulation. Understanding these patterns is the first step to countering them. 

Strategies for Resistance 

But this isn't just a report about problems - it's about solutions. Changemakers shared practical approaches for building resistance at three interconnected levels: developing hopeful, forward-looking narratives that build solidarity at the political level; harnessing technology responsibly, building coalitions across sectors and strengthening independent institutions; and facilitating difficult conversations locally while connecting struggles globally. 

Sustaining the Work 

Perhaps most importantly, the report addresses what's often overlooked: the wellbeing of activists themselves. Participants spoke candidly about feeling tired, over-extended and at risk.  

SCI Director Martin O'Brien said: 

Activists working in the field are often very overwhelmed, they're often very focused on the problem that's directly in front of them. They rarely have the time to take stock, to reflect, to strategise, to connect. We heard people saying that it was energising, that it gave them hope, that it was very useful and encouraging to see that other people are doing similar things in other places. 

The report emphasises that creating spaces for connection, building solidarity, aligning funding with community priorities and practising collective care aren't separate from "the work" - they are the work. 

What's Next 

The convening reminded us that while the challenges are urgent and global, so too is the resistance. Activists everywhere are seeing the same playbook and finding new ways to coordinate their responses. 

Understanding the problem matters, but we can't stop there. The path forward requires action across movements and borders - grounded in preparation, solidarity and a shared commitment to progressive change. 

Watch highlights from the convening to hear directly from participants about their experiences and reflections. 

Keeping the Conversation Going 

Following the Istanbul convening, we've continued these important conversations. Most recently, we hosted a seminar in Belfast on tackling hate and violent extremism, bringing together practitioners, researchers and community leaders from UK and Ireland to explore what works in building inclusive communities and countering divisive narratives. Learn more about the seminar and key takeaways here. 

Our thanks again to everyone who participated in the convening, and to the team at Postane for hosting us.